Man O' War
An Island Icon
For over three decades, we've challenged convention – pursuing rugged, steep hillside vticulture on the eastern edge of Waiheke Island.
The resulting patchwork of coastal vineyard sites follow the land’s natural contours, capturing distinct terroirs and producing a diverse range of varietals defined by both power and finesse.
Today you’ll find no less than 75 vineyards across the farm, as well as sheep, cattle, orchards, olive groves, restored native forests and beehives.
We’ve become well known for our Syrah, Chardonnay and Waiheke’s signature Bordeaux Blends. We also produce a distinctly different Sauvignon Blanc a seriously drinkable Pinot Gris and our (infamous) Rosé.
Swiftsure Vineyards
A Journey South
Swiftsure now carries this same pioneering spirit South – a bold, regionally expressive South Island wine collection drawing on the innovation and expertise developed at Man O’ War.
Still at the beginning of it’s journey, Swiftsure crafts elegant, complex, world-class wines from alpine vineyards established on low-yielding, high-altitude sites in Marlborough and Central Otago’s Bannockburn.
With family ownership and an off-piste approach at their core, Man O’ War and Swiftsure are expressions of the same ethos – distinctive wines and experiences rooted in a deep connection to place, reflecting the character, complexity, and diversity of New Zealand’s landscapes.
Man O' War Bay
A beach-front tasting experience.
A hidden gem nestled at the north-eastern end of Waiheke Island, 90 minutes from downtown Auckland - the scenic journey is all part of the allure.
Enjoy wine flights or private tastings and leisurely long lunches while watching the waves wash up on the sandy shore as local boaties drop in for much needed ‘supplies'.
Swiftsure
A South Island Bistro
From the coast to the alps - a new chapter for the Man O' War team and the heart of Swiftsure Vineyards in the South.
Perched above Buckingham Green in the centre of Arrowtown, its the kind of place you can settle in for a long lunch, get cosy by the fire, bring the kids for an early dinner or simply enjoy the sweeping alpine views with a glass on the terrace.
Forest Flight
An immersive Kauri Forest Journey on Waiheke's eastern edge.
Launched in 2024, following years of meticulous planning, the Forest Flight journey comprises three dual ziplines spanning over 900m connected by 660m of boardwalk.
This design allows exploration of our untouched ancient Kauri forest set above Man O ' War Bay, with minimal environmental impact, preserving it's natural beauty for the generations to come.
The Crew
Our Waiheke farm, winery and restaurant proudly employs between 25 and 75 locals and wine obsessed travellers throughout the year to bring the Man O' War experience to life.
Our viticulture and winemaking team have remained unchanged for over a decade - helmed by winemaker Duncan McTavish.
Before visiting Man O’ War, Duncan had never been to Waiheke Island. When you visit, you’ll understand why he never left.
And now the same team are bringing the alpine an adventurous spirit of Swiftsure to life in the South.
The Name
three hundred years of heritage
Man O’ War is steeped in history dating back to early Polynesian adventurers. The protected cove has provided safe harbour during many rough seas. The bay was named by navigators in the late 1700s.
The magnificent Kauri trees were noted in the early shipping journals, they made ideal masts for the naval Man O’ War warships, and thus the name Man O’ War was bestowed upon this special place.